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Friday, March 7, 2014

playroom storage...diy Ikea hack

This is a long overdue update of the playroom storage that we started last year. We finally decided on a storage combination of Besta cupboards from Ikea, creating lots of easy to reach storage, a place for the TV, topped with a broad display shelf to use as an easy to change gallery.

To hide the sides and tops of the Besta carcasses we created a three sided box for the TV area, and ran the top piece right across all the units. We used a good quality plyboard which has a lovely layered edge detail, with all the cabinets in high gloss white it needed a bit of detail to lift the whole design. Very pleased with the result, nobody would guess its a mostly Ikea installation.

This is what it looked like before and during - a hot mess

Musical instruments finally have a place off the floor, safe but easy to reach.There is plenty of storage, although we do seem to have filled it all already.

We may add shelves for books or display, even a few more cabinets, above the display for shelf.For now I am loving using it for display.

To make your own:We used Besta 128cm high units and a 120cm wide Besta TV unit as the base. They are easy to install and reasonable on the pocket, and just the right depth for storage, books and the TV. All cabinets cost around $700.Once they were installed we made the 3 sided plywood box the TV sits in. The sides were joined using my fabulous Kreg Jig, with the holes on the outside of the uprights. All joins are neatly hidden from view.Attaching the top shelf was trickier because of the weight and length of the piece. We ended up placing the 3 sided box on the TV unit and pulling it away from the wall. Then we positioned the top shelf on the box using the cabinets as a support, see below. You can see the Kreg predrilled holes facing on the outside of the box.The sides were then attached to the top with the Kreg, working from the back to the front, and sliding the TV stand back into position as we worked. I do love my Kreg!

This is our second Ikea hack, see our entrance cupboard here, such fun to do and so satisfying.We will never be afraid to build our own built in furniture again, I highly recommend you have a go too.